Over the years descriptive terms for tennis strings have endured many mythical, and even wrong, definitions.

One of the terms we continue to hear is “Synthetic Gut”.  First of all, in terms of tennis string if the material is not from a once living animal it is “synthetic!”  The term “synthetic gut” was responsible for relegating “nylon™” to the very lowest of low end tennis string, however, even today Nylon™ makes up a substantial percent of the tennis string material!

Now comes “Comfort” trying to relegate “Soft” to the scrap heap!

What difference does it make?  A lot.  Seasoned players know what works for them and they don’t care what anyone calls it.  On the other hand those just beginning or wanting to improve their game do care.

With our in-house testing device, Questron, we test every string that goes into a racquet, and every string that comes into the World Headquarters .  The graphs have been posted on this site a few times but just in case you missed them here is a graph:

This graph represents two (2) polyester strings and one (1) natural string because it was handy.

In the simplest terms the quicker (shorter deflection) the string reaches 50 pounds the “stiffer” or less “soft” it is.  Neither of the polyester stings are “soft” compared to the natural string, however, one polyester string is “softer” than the other polyester string but not by much.

We have tested many strings that are now available in a “soft” version and the “standard” (not soft) version.

Whatever string version you choose use it because it works for you whether is it marketed as Comfort or Soft!